As pressure on hospitals hits tipping point, leaders urge public to help reduce hospitalization needs

Governor Doug Burgum and the chief medical officers and physicians of several of the state’s largest hospitals today warned that hospital capacity in North Dakota is reaching critical levels and urged the public to help reduce the need for ‘hospitalization.

“The pressure on hospitals and clinics in our urban and rural areas is reaching critical levels, and we all need to do our part to avoid hospitalizations and avoid additional strain on these facilities and their staff as we go through this incredibly difficult time. Says Burgum.

Hospitals “at full capacity”

North Dakota’s hospitals and healthcare systems have seen a significant increase in acute healthcare needs in recent months, and they expect that increased demand to continue for some time, the Dr Richard Vetter, Chief Medical Officer at Essentia Health in Fargo. The additional demand has resulted in increased delays in accessing care, especially in emergency rooms and hospitals, Vetter said, noting that patients are being referred outside of their usual referral schedules – sometimes to facilities. several hundred kilometers away.

“We are concerned that as the number of influenza increases, it will also put additional strain on our health care system,” said Vetter. “We strongly encourage everyone to consider getting a flu shot within the next 1-2 months. ”

Regional centers are currently unable to support critical access hospitals as they have in the past, and providers have seen adverse outcomes due to delays in care, said Dr Chris Meeker , chief medical officer at Sanford Bismarck. Today, the six largest hospitals in North Dakota reported that 43 patients had been referred to other facilities, including six psychiatric patients; and 29 patients were waiting in emergency departments to be admitted to hospital.

“North Dakota’s healthcare systems face headwinds in caring for the people of our state. Our hospitals are at or above capacity which affects care for all medical conditions. Doctors, nurses and other frontline healthcare workers do a heroic job caring for our communities despite staffing and space shortages, ”Meeker said. “We have tough times ahead, but I have no doubts that we will work together to help us. “

Dr Jeffrey Sather, chief of medical staff at Trinity Health in Minot, said the staff shortage is the most formidable challenge facing hospitals.

“The health systems in our state and region are about to be overwhelmed,” Sather said. “We are beyond our ability to provide the normal care we all expect. I am so proud of every employee for what they go through every day. We have done our best over the past 18 months. I am also proud of the collaboration between health systems working together during this pandemic to take care of our fellow citizens. “

“Now more than ever, we need everyone’s help to reduce the strain on our health systems by reducing the need for hospitalization,” Sather added.

Dr Joshua Ranum, vice president of the North Dakota Medical Association and a physician for West River Health Services in Hettinger, said North Dakota was one of the first to embrace monoclonal antibody treatments that have helped keep patients down. COVID-19 cases out of hospital, but the mainstream The nation’s shortage of monoclonal antibodies is putting additional pressure on hospital capacity.

“Right now, walking into a North Dakota hospital is like stepping into an alternate reality,” Ranum said. “Our hospitals are at full capacity and likely will continue to be for several weeks. In contrast, one can move around the community almost normally, not realizing the chaos within the city blocks of the hospital. We encourage all North Dakotas to get vaccinated, stay healthy and stay safe in order to stay out of hospital. Maybe it is you or a loved one who is in desperate need of that hospital bed.

How the public can help

Medical authorities suggest several ways for the public to help reduce hospitalizations:

• Avoid dangerous or high risk activities that could cause serious injury.
• See your doctor regularly and take care of your chronic health problems.
• Make sure immunizations are up to date for you and your children.
• Wash your hands, distance yourself socially and wear a mask to fight against all respiratory viruses.
• If you have a respiratory virus, stay home and self-isolate to avoid infecting others.
• Practice defensive driving. There have been many highly traumatic vehicle crashes in North Dakota recently. Obey traffic laws, use caution in construction areas, avoid distracted driving, wear seat belts and helmets, and do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Consider a telehealth option if you are not feeling well.

State fully engaged in response efforts

State leaders work closely with hospital leaders to understand and support hospital capacity challenges.

Meetings are held daily with the chief physicians and nurses of the six major hospitals to review the number of medical / surgical, pediatric and intensive care patients, deflections, transfers, emergency department patients, sidelined nurses and the use of monoclonal antibodies. There is also a weekly meeting with the six major hospitals and the public health official to discuss capacity issues.

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) Department Operations Center (DOC) has added four ambulances to help hospitals with the growing number of patient transfers. As supply chains tighten, DOC has supported hospitals with tubes of blood and testing supplies.

DOC also manages the allocation and delivery of monoclonal antibodies to healthcare providers. In addition to the weekly federal allocation for monoclonal antibodies, the state has purchased 1,000 doses and is encouraging hospitals to do the same.

Currently, approximately 65 members of the North Dakota National Guard are on duty in support of NDDoH to augment health personnel.

To address the staffing shortage at healthcare facilities, Public Health Officer Dr Nizar Wehbi has extended the waiver for the temporary registration of licensed practical nurses in North Dakota until December 31, 2021.

NDDoH also continues to provide support for influenza vaccinations and coordinate with long-term care facilities to make more hospital capacity available.

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CONTACT:

Mike Nowatzki

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701.328.2424

Mike kennedy

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